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“My help?”
I looked at Angelica, wondering what she meant. She continued, her expression slightly tense.
“Soon, our count’s family is planning to hold a tea party to commemorate the launch of a new product. At the same time, we intend to clarify the rumors and explain the issues regarding our previous product.”
“You mean the product that was sabotaged by Count Huizet’s family…?”
“Yes. So you knew.”
“The Grand Duke told me the situation. But you said you’d ‘clarify’—I heard you didn’t have any evidence to prove Huizet’s involvement. Did you find something?”
If they managed to explain that matter too, the Werner family could regain its reputation. Had they finally found the key?
Angelica nodded with a serious face.
“Yes. We tracked down the chief craftsman who fled at the time. Based on his testimony, we’ll prove that Count Huizet was behind it.”
“Really? So you found a witness—that’s a relief.”
I thought he had disappeared without a trace, but to think they managed to find him. If he testifies, even Count Huizet’s family won’t be able to deny it. Smiling with relief, I heard Lucius—who had been listening quietly—speak.
“…Lady Werner. How did you manage to find that missing craftsman?”
He was watching Angelica with a grave, somewhat skeptical look. Startled by his sharp gaze, she grew more nervous as she answered.
“Ah, yes. Actually, my father searched all across the Empire. The man was hiding far away, in a very deep place. It took time, but eventually, he slipped up and we caught him.”
“…I see. The Count himself…”
“What’s wrong, Lucius?”
He murmured thoughtfully at her words. Was there something strange about the Count finding the missing craftsman? His furrowed brow was obvious.
Concerned, I called to him, but he only shook his head.
“No. I had heard it would be very difficult to locate him, but it seems the Count managed to do so safely. That’s fortunate.”
“…Yes, it truly is.”
He smiled softly, and I returned the smile. It seemed he had other doubts but didn’t want to voice them here—perhaps because Angelica was present. I decided to ask later when it was just the two of us.
I turned back to Angelica.
“Still, will that craftsman testify so easily? After all, he acted under Count Huizet’s orders.”
“He has no choice. His life is essentially in our hands now. We already received his promise to testify properly, and we’re keeping him under strict watch in case he tries to escape again.”
“I see.”
“My father also prepared records of how Count Huizet has interfered with our business, as well as evidence of various corrupt acts committed by his family. With that, and the craftsman’s testimony, I believe we can make our case.”
“You’ve gathered as much evidence as possible. That should be enough to succeed.”
It seemed Count Werner had been grinding his teeth and collecting proof all this time. I didn’t expect him to present such evidence all at once. With solid proof and the new product, they should be able to defend themselves.
Her face was filled with confidence, her eyes shining brightly—so different from how she’d looked just a few days ago.
It seemed she was fully prepared for a counterattack. But why did she still say she needed my help? At best, the help I could offer would be my social standing.
“You seem well-prepared already, so what exactly do you mean by ‘my help’? Your family should be capable of handling this on its own.”
“Ah, well…”
Both Lucius and I turned to her. By asking for my help, she was, in a broad sense, asking for the backing of the Grand Duke’s household. That meant not just me, but Lucius too. Though she was addressing me, it was also about borrowing his authority.
Lucius seemed to realize the same thing—his gaze on her grew even more serious. I, too, had to think carefully. Even though she was the heroine of the original story, becoming close and directly offering my power were two different things.
Looking more nervous than I had ever seen her, she took a deep breath and said slowly:
“If we hold a tea party right now, it’ll only attract those curious about the rumors. Of course, clarifying the scandal is important, but I’d like to shift the focus to clearing misunderstandings about our family’s business and presenting our new products.”
“I see. And?”
“After we swiftly explain the rumors and business issues, we plan to unveil the new products right there at the tea party.”
“I understand. The new line is mostly tea cups and small dessert plates, correct? That suits a tea party perfectly. Showcasing them there would be great promotion.”
“Yes. The problem is, can we really convert rumor-seekers into actual customers? They’ll be curious, but that doesn’t mean they’ll buy anything. Word might spread here and there, but I doubt we’d see explosive reactions.”
“So that’s where I come in?”
I met Angelica’s eyes as she explained calmly. A bead of sweat slid down her temple. After swallowing hard, she continued.
“If Your Highness the Grand Duchess attends, all eyes will turn to the tea party. And if you simply say you came because you were excited about the new products rather than the rumors…”
“Then interest in the products would rise sharply, and the attention would follow. In short, you want me to act as a promoter.”
“…Yes.”
“Hmm…”
I looked at her, sitting stiffly with her hands clenched tightly on her lap. It wasn’t a difficult request. It was well within my ability, and exactly what I had expected.
Attending the tea party wasn’t a big deal, and making a few comments about looking forward to the products was easy enough. My judgment would be tested, of course, but the Werner family’s new products had designs that could charm anyone. I wasn’t worried—I trusted my own taste.
“I know it’s presumptuous and rude to ask this, but because of the kindness and warmth you’ve shown me until now, I dared to make this request. Will you attend the tea party?”
Her tension was palpable. Though she spoke firmly, the tips of her clasped fingers trembled. She hadn’t even looked this nervous when meeting Rayel.
Well, how could I refuse when our heroine was asking so earnestly? And it wasn’t even a difficult favor. I glanced at Lucius, who met my eyes and nodded with a smile.
That was permission. Returning his smile, I looked at Angelica, who was bowing her head, and said:
“Alright. I’ll attend.”
“…Huh? R-Really?”
“Yes. I’ll attend the Werner family’s tea party for the new product launch.”
“Ah… Thank you… thank you so much…”
Relief flooded her face as she finally exhaled deeply, her shoulders relaxing. Her damp eyes and shaky voice showed just how much she’d been worrying.
Seeing her trembling hands, I smiled.
“Even without your request, I wanted to attend. I was looking forward to seeing the new products. But if I attend, it will place a burden on you and your family. It will be like the Grand Duke’s house—and I myself—are guaranteeing your products.”
“Yes. But please don’t worry. We’ll prepare thoroughly to ensure we don’t bring shame upon you or the Grand Duke’s family. And I can confidently say that this new product is the best we’ve ever released.”
“I know. I saw it first with the Princess herself. I can vouch for its quality, so be confident.”
“…Thank you.”
The Werner family had staked everything on this. The products were nearly perfect, so they wouldn’t be buried easily. I only hoped they’d continue to be strong.
Perhaps encouraged by my words, a smile finally bloomed on her face—her lips curving beautifully, her sky-blue eyes brimming with confidence. Yes, that expression suited her best.
“When do you plan to hold the tea party?”
“Since preparations are nearly complete, within a week.”
“Good. If you wait any longer, the effect will fade.”
Conveniently, Rayel was also planning to disappear for a few days. This week would be the peak of the rumors—after that, the effect would vanish.
“Make sure to hold it this week. Send out as many invitations as possible, regardless of faction. I’ll spread the word around as well. If I mention it to the Princess, she’ll gladly help too, and soon many nobles will hear of the tea party.”
“That would truly be an honor, but… are you sure?”
“It’s fine. After all, the Princess and I were the first to fall in love with the new products. Helping out this much is only natural.”
“Thank you. I’m so happy.”
She beamed, and I smiled back. She finally seemed fully at ease.
“But—I’ll set one condition.”
